Bioecological Features Research Articles

The Oriental Fruit Moth (Grapholitha Molesta Busck.) and its Natural Enemies in the Absheron Peninsula

Abstract Garden plants, trees and bushes suffer damages caused by lots of pests by 30-50 % every year, and sometimes by 80-90 % during the period when they grow massively. For this purpose, scientific bases for the use of perspective entomophages in the biological fight against harsh pests by studying the species composition, bioecological features of 6 species of insects, which damage garden and forest plants, and entomophages (parasites and predators), which regulate their number, have been developed in Azerbaijan. The research paper established that the oriental fruit moth infests fruit crops by 50-60 %. It was found that 22 types of parasites play a role in the regulation of abundance. Among them, macrocentrus infests oriental fruit moth larva up to 80 %, scambus up to 60 %, apanteles up to 40-50 %. The scoliidae parasite is of economic importance and can be used for biological control against the oriental fruit moth. Considering the prospects of some parasites, the bioecological features on the Absheron Peninsula have been studied.

Ontogenesis and Bioecological Features of the Species Rosmarinus prostratus in Apsheron Conditions

The ontogenesis and bioecological composition of the species Rosmarinus prostratus, belonging to the genus Rosmarinus L., were studied. The study was conducted on the territory of the Absheron Peninsula on the experimental site of the Institute of Dendrology Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan in cultural conditions. The species Rosmarinus prostratus, belonging to the genus Rosmarinus L., has normal periods of development in the natural conditions of the Absheron Peninsula. This species can be used as an ornamental plant for landscaping parks and gardens, as well as a medicinal plant for mass production, industrially various drugs.

Monitoring of the phytosanitary condition of grape plantations in the South of Ukraine in 2022—2023

Goal. Comprehensive study of pathogens of new diseases and pests, bioecological features of their development, trophic and ecological relationships in modern conditions of vineyards cultivation, taking into account pesticide load and climatic conditions, in order to develop forecasts of the development of major diseases and pests and optimize the technology of vineyard protection.
 Methods. Monitoring studies of vineyard growing conditions in different agroecological zones of Ukraine. The research was conducted in the farms of Odesa region. The objects of monitoring are grape plantations of different planting periods and varietal assortment.
 Results. The phytosanitary monitoring revealed the dynamics of the bunch borer population development. The species composition and dynamics of the number of phyto- and entomophages were determined in the grape plantations of the South of Ukraine. The dynamics of the number of phytophagous mites on grape plantations of Odesa region was studied. It was found that all the studied grape varieties are infested with mites to varying degrees. The most susceptible to mites are varieties of medium or late ripening.
 Conclusions. The study of fungal diseases proved that these diseases are widespread in the grape plantations of the Northern Black Sea region, and their development depends on weather conditions during the growing season, age of plantations and biological characteristics of the variety.

Conceptual basis for studying the fungal biodiversity in organogenic soils in the area of the Bulgarian Antarctic Base ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’ on Livingston Island

In 2023, a scientific project for studying the fungal biodiversity in organogenic soils in the area of the Bulgarian Antarctic Base ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’ on Livingston Island was funded by the National Center for the Polar Studies at Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’, implemented under the National Program for Polar Research ‘From Pole to Pole’, adopted by the Ministry of Education and Science.  In the period February-March 2023, a total of 126 soil samples were collected for analysis. Soil samples were carried out in the upper 0-5 cm soil layer. In places with deeper soil profiles, samples were collected from the deeper layer >5 cm. All samples were stored in sterile polyethylene bags in a freezer at minus 28°C on the Bulgarian ship ‘St. St. Cyril and Methodius’, which arrived in Bulgaria on 2nd May 2023. The present study aims to present the conceptual basis for the study of structure, composition, and bioecological features of fungal species occurring in Antarctic organogenic soils from Livingston Island, to investigate the representatives of separate taxonomic groups of invertebrate organisms interacting with the fungal species in the soil, and to establish the relationships with the soil characteristics in the studied sites. Studies of the biological and ecological features of representatives of the mycota in Antarctic organogenic soils, their physiological and biochemical behavior, and interaction with invertebrate organisms, are essential for a better understanding of the biological processes occurring in them, and the implementation of this project will have substantial contribution to these issues.

Berberis aquifolium Pursh - New Species for the Flora of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan

Geobotanical, floristic, systematic, ecological studies were carried out to study the flora and vegetation of the administrative regions of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. The purpose of the study was to study flora and vegetation, to look for new taxa of wild and cultivated flora of the region. Before our research (1970), in the flora of Nakhchivan the Berberidaceae family was represented by only 3 species of the Berberis genus: B. integerrima Bunge, B. iberica Steven, B. vulgaris L. During long-term (1970-2023) research, we identified 3 more species: B. heteropoda Schrenk, B. thunbergii f. atropurpurea and during the expedition on May 10, 2023, the species Berberis aquifolium Pursh was found. It was introduced as a highly ornamental shrub. Thus, based on literary sources and the results of our research, it has been established that 14 wild and cultivated species (and two forms) of barberry are widespread in Azerbaijan. During the research, attention was paid to the habitat conditions of the newly identified taxa, their morphobiological, useful and bioecological features were studied for further rational use. Barberry species are valuable useful plants. Because of the research, it is recommended to create plantations of industrial importance for rational, long-term use, improve, increase productivity, and protect natural thickets and their populations.

Bioecological features and significance of the genus Bee-Eater-Merops in Uzbekistan

Bioecological features and significance of the genus Bee-Eater-<i>Merops</i> in Uzbekistan

Neoseiulus agrestis as a biological agent, and monitoring of introducted thrips in greenhouses

Oligophagus Neoseiulus agrestis (Karg, 1960) can be used as predator on vegetable, flower and berry crops. It is capable of feeding on Tetranychidae and Tarsonemidae. The ability to regulate the number of Thripidae has been established. It lives in colonies of Acaridae mites. The technology of mass breeding allows to accumulate predator population in a loose substrate. The technology of use for this phytoseiid mite should be adapted to each type of plant taking into account the bioecological features. For a greenhouse cucumber, the release should be made at the trellis part of the plant. On flower crops, for example gloxinia, colonization is carried out by sowing the substrate with a predator on all plants in the greenhouse. It is effective on garden strawberries in the struggle against the strawberry mite Steneotarsonemus pallidus. The predator prefers to attack the nymphal stages and eggs of the Tetranychus urticae mite. It is capable of attacking not only the larvae of Thrips nigropilosus, but also its nymphs. In the garden strawberry leaf rosette, it destroys the strawberry mite, at penetration into the inner part of leaf buttons. It is highly sensitive to pesticides from the class of macrocyclic lactones and synthetic pyrethroids. Preparations based on the bacterium Bacillus thurengiensis on N. agrestis do not have a lethal effect.

MORPHO-BIOLOGICAL, ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND SEASONAL GROUPS OF COLEOPTERA (INSECTA: COLEOPTERA) PESTS

As a result of field studies conducted in the desert areas of Southeastern Kazakhstan (sandy, saline, rocky and soil deserts), the basis of the ecological group is dendrophages-hardy pests that feed on various organs of the saxaul, oligophages that feed on roots and trunks. Depending on the feeding characteristics of coleoptera, 6 groups of nutrient media have been identified.&#x0D; According to the number of all registered coleoptera pests, there are: rhizophages, phyllophages, hymenoanthophages, xylophages, carpophages, lymphophages.&#x0D; The pest affecting various organs of the saxaul registered in the list is coleoptera, among many species of polyphages and oligophages. While most polyphages (Scarabaeidae, Tenobrionidae, Elateridae, Curculionidae) feed mainly on vegetative organs (sprouts, shoots), most oligophages are considered specialized pests.&#x0D; The article presents the classification system, distribution, brief morphology and bioecological features of saxaul, obtained over the years of research, pest species belonging to different genera of coleoptera pests, which are massively encountered and specialize in different stages of growth.

Salt balance of promising halophytes Climacoptera lanata L. and Tamarix hispida L. in the Kyzylkum Desert

Introduction: The relevance of the investigated problem lies in the problem of improving the condition of degraded and saline soils, on which plants of representatives of Chenopodeaceae and Tamaricaceae families grow, adapted to life in such conditions. In this regard, the aim of this article is to study the ecology, salinity accumulation and salt excretion of Climacoptera lanata and Tamarix hispida, determining the adaptation abilities of Climacoptera lanata and Tamarix hispida in Kyzylkum Desert conditions. Material and Methods: The main methods that were used to achieve the goal: generally accepted methods of soil determination – spectrophotometric, potentiometric, manometric. Results and Discussion: The main results that were achieved in this study: salt balance of halophytes was revealed on the example of C. lanata and T. hispida species, groups on plant resistance, on the quality of salt accumulator and salt extractor, on dry residue (2-3.4; Cl- 0.1-0.3, SO42- 1.5-1.9%) were identified, saline soils were determined. Leaf respiration intensity ranged from 111-323 mm3 O2. Bioecological features of C. lanata and T. hispida, as well as chemical composition of soil and water in Central Kyzylkum and mineral composition of biomass of the studied plants, were revealed. Conclusion: The main ecological problems in the conditions of Uzbekistan were determined. The practical significance of the study is that methods of adaptation of Climacoptera and Tamarix species to saline soils in areas with low water level (2-3.5 m) can be used for similar biotypes in order to reduce damage from soil salinity.

Some features of the bioecology of the apple moth &lt;i&gt;Cydia pomonella&lt;/i&gt; L. in the conditions of the Moscow region

Relevance. Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a dominant pest that annually causes significant damage to apple crops. Without a detailed study of the bioecological features of the development of the phytophage in specific study areas, which have undergone noticeable changes under the influence of global warming, it is impossible to build an effective protection system and ensure their environmental safety.Methods. The object of research is C. pomonella. When studying the age gradation and timing of the presence of caterpillars in fallen fruits, conventional and original methods were used; the width of the caterpillar head capsule was measured under an MBS-10 stereoscopic microscope using eyepieces with microscopic rulers. The study of the influence of the photoperiod on the behavior of C. pomonella under short day conditions was carried out in the laboratory in special containers, under natural light and at room temperature (about 21 °C).Results. Studies have shown that not all C. pomonella caterpillars leave fallen fruits within a maximum of one day. After three days of selection and analysis of fallen damaged fruits, caterpillars were found in 34.6–35.5% of them: 18.3–28.3% – age V, 18.3–30.2% – age IV, 28.3–47.9% – III age, 13.2–14.1% – II age, 1.4% – I age. In the laboratory, under short day conditions, according to the years of research, during October – November, 20–21.4% of butterflies flew out of the number of caterpillars of the last age that did not have time to form cocoons in the field.

МОНИТОРИНГ ЧИСЛЕННОСТИ EUZOPHERA BIGELLA ZELL. В ЯБЛОНЕВЫХ АГРОЦЕНОЗАХ КРАСНОДАРСКОГО КРАЯ

The article provides data on the increase in the harmfulness of the two-striped fireworm ( Euzophera bigella Zell) in all countries cultivating fruit crops. During the growing season of 2023, research is being conducted on the study of bioecological features of the development of Euzophera bigella Zell., it is noted that in the conditions of the Prikubansky gardening zone of the Krasnodar region, the beginning of the summer of the phytophagus was recorded on May 10 at the sum of effective temperatures of 184.8 °C, the peak of the summer of the pest on June 5, the SET was 432.7 °C.

Species of the Euscelis Brullé Genus Damaged to Medicago in the Fergana Valley

The article presents materials on the study of herbivorous pests of Medicago in Fergana Valley from the order Homoptera, their species composition, the most harmful species of the EuscelisBrullé genus, their food relations, biological characteristics, harmfulness, features of development phases, their natural enemies were noted. It has been determined that the Cicadellidae family occupies a special place among the Homoptera; it is ecologically associated with various biotopes and plays an important role in agrobiocenosis. As a result of the research, it was revealed that the species of Homoptera, in particular cicadas, are characterized by complex bioecological features, highly specialized and well adapted for living in Fergana Valley. The studies are of practical importance, since some species of cicadas: Euscelis lineolata Brullé, Euscelis plebeius (Fallén)are pests of Medicago. The author revealed the harmfulness of cicada species found on Medicago, which is as follows: Insects suck juices from the vascular bundles of roots, stems, leaf veins and from leaf cells. They inflict wounds on the vegetative parts of the plant with their ovipositor during oviposition. Some species transmit viral plant diseases.

Bioecological Features and Breeding of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) for Biological Control Against Scale Insects in Azerbaijan

The scientific basis for the study of two species of coccinellid Rhyzobius lophanthae, Chilocorus bipustulatus for the purpose of their use in biological control against round scale insects has been developed. These coccinellids have been found on potato tubers infected with oleander and mulberry protection. These species can be used in biological control against scale insects.

Methodological approaches to biotechnological process management in the protection of perennial fruit plantations (codling moth as an example) based on digital technologies

In this work, we investigate the harmful effect of codling moth in industrial fruit plantations of Krasnodar Krai. An analysis of growing expenditures on protective measures is carried out in connection with the high dynamics of macroeconomic processes and sanction measures. A correlation between the distribution of codling moth and the magnitude of climate change is noted. The need to increase the efficiency of measures aimed at the development and implementation of plantation and crop protection is highlighted. According to long-term research studies into the bioecological features of the phytophage development during vegetation, its following adaptation features are established: high adaptivity to variable weather conditions; high potential of pest resurgence during one vegetation period; changes in the pest phenology; an increase in the overall number of pests in those sections of the orchard where trees grow for 15–16 years and more. A scheme for the automated control of monitoring processes, optimum regime selection, application of biorational systems of efficiency control based on digital technologies is proposed. The technology for managing biotechnological processes of fruit plantation protection is described in terms of functional components, including the formation of a system of ecological and economic parameters of implementing insecticides against harmful pests; development of multivariant models and adaptive instruments of phytosanitary stability management of apple-tree agrocenoses based on the criteria of biologicalization, ecologization, and rational nature management; monitoring of the number of pest populations; phytosanitary stability of apple-tree plantations; regulations for effective and safe use of biorational, low-toxic chemical and biological preparations of new generation in apple-tree plantations; evaluation of the action of the studied preparations on non-target organisms. The latter include fruit analysis for the presence of residual amounts of background and impact pesticides, determination of phytotoxic effects of used preparations on the protected plants, evaluation of the studied preparations action on associated pests. A comparative study of available technologies for crop protection against codling moth is carried out. The efficiency of biological methods in the field of crop protection is substantiated.

Bacterial blight of viburnum (Pseudomonas syringae pv. viburnum): Biological features, causes, and consequences of manifestation, methods of control in the system of decorative and fruit gardening

Viburnum bacterial blight weakens the growth of Viburnum trees (bushes) and inhibits the physiological processes caused by the Pseudomonas syringae pv. viburni bacterium which survives in the affected stem tissue, plant remains, and soil. The purpose of the study was to examine the bioecological features of the manifestation of Pseudomonas syringae pv. viburni and development of measures to control bacterial leaf spotting in viburnum gardens. During the experiment, diagnostic methods were used to select plant leaves, identify, record, and analyse the affected leaves of viburnum plants by the Pseudomonas syringae pv. viburni bacterium. A method to avoid or reduce the risk of bacterial blights was developed. It was determined that various approaches can be used to prevent bacterial diseases in plants of the Viburnum L. genus, such as selecting more disease-resistant varieties, collecting and destroying fallen leaves and branches after pruning, and following agricultural techniques and gardening practices. For chemical control, copper-based bactericidal preparations, such as copper hydroxide or copper sulfate can be used, which are recommended for use in autumn and spring before budding. Performing these actions will help to prevent the manifestation of bacterial diseases in plants. It is proved that in the conditions of the Northern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine in the system of fruit gardening, it is advisable to grow high- and medium-resistant genotypes of Viburnum vulgaris of the Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine against bacterial leaf spotting. The practical value of the study lies in the fact that information about bacterial blight or bacterial spotting of viburnum leaves was expanded; it was proved that various species of the Viburnum L. genus differ in their susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae pv. viburni bacterial damage; it is confirmed that the susceptibility of viburnum plants to this disease can be substantially reduced due to low-susceptible and resistant varieties and species of the Viburnum L. genus and timely technical and chemical measures

Diversity and ecology of molluscs (Gastropods) in mountain streams, Nurota mountain range, Uzbekistan

Abstract. Kudratov J, Pazilov A, Maxammadiyev Z, Urazova R, Otakulov B, Bazarov B, Keldiyarov K, Soatova Z, Urinova X. 2023. Diversity and ecology of molluscs (Gastropods) in mountain streams, Nurota mountain range, Uzbekistan. Biodiversitas 24: 2402-2408. Characterization of the faunal biodiversity of the regions is one of the important tasks in today's era when the influence of the anthropogenic factor has increased, and the natural ecosystems are undergoing drastic changes. Therefore, the faunal composition analysis of molluscs as a part of the natural food chain, the development of measures related to their protection, the disclosure of bioecological features, and the substantiation of scientific solutions are of great scientific and practical importance. This study provides information on the species composition of gastropod molluscs in the streams of the Nurota Mountains of Uzbekistan. Sampling was carried out at 11 stations from April to November 2019. Molluscs include 4 families (Belgrandiellidae, Lymnaeidae, Physidae and Planorbidae), 5 genera, and 15 species. The dominant family in the malacofauna of the study area is Lymnaeidae, one genus and eight species belonging to this family are found in the area. Most molluscs are found on rocky, sandy substrates around plants. This article describes the biological diversity of animals in streams in the Nurota Mountains of Uzbekistan.

Harmfulness of the viburnum leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni Payk.) on plants of the Viburnum L. genus and elements of its control technology for strategies in breeding work in the system of fruit and decorative gardening

The studies were conducted in various ecological points of Ukraine (western and northern part of the Forest-Steppe, Southern Polissia) to examine the bioecological features of Pyrrhalta viburni Paykull and develop measures to reduce its harmfulness in the system of fruit and decorative gardening. The purpose of the study was to examine the bioecological features of the viburnum leaf beetle on plants of the Viburnum L. genus and elements of its control technology (selection of species, varietal composition, seasonal pruning, mechanised trunk, or inter-bush loosening of the soil, application of mineral fertilisers, use of paraffin oil and Actofit biological product) for strategies in breeding work. The study was based on the use of the method of conducting a qualification examination, visual methods (route and detailed), the method of accounting and describing pests, determining the degree and score of infestation, and the percentage of damaged plants. As a result, species of the Viburnum L. genus are differentiated by susceptibility to viburnum leaf beetle into: susceptible – V. opulus, V. sargentii, moderately or poorly receptive – V. lantana, and immune or resistant – V. sieboldii, and in the garden conditions on moderately or poorly susceptible – V. opulusand V. sargentii and resistant – V. sieboldii and V. lantana. The most effective measure of mechanical control of the viburnum leaf eater, in particular, in the collection, hybrid, breeding, and queen nurseries, is pruning individual branches with pest eggs laid on them during November-March. It is identified that the appropriate measure is the formation of biological barriers in the breeding nurseries of Viburnum, represented by other viburnum species (Siebold’s viburnum, Viburnum lantana), which are less susceptible to the viburnum leaf beetle than the plants of Viburnum opulus or Viburnum sargentii, which will allow preserving valuable genotypes of the above-mentioned viburnum species from damage by the pest at an early stage and prevent the use of environmentally dangerous chemical pesticides. The results of the study expand information about the Pyrrhalta viburni Payk. species and can be used in the ecology of insect pests, the developed measures will allow controlling the populations of viburnum leaf beetle in the system of fruit and decorative gardening at an early stage

Flowering phenology and prospects for using representatives of the genus Hydrangea l. in the landscaping of cities in the Middle Urals

The objects of the study are 13 varieties and species of the genus Hydrangea L, which were planted in the collection of the Department of Plant Introduction and Acclimatization, UdmFRC, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Izhevsk, in 2017. Representatives of the genus Hydrangea are ornamental flowering shrubs. Due to insufficient knowledge of bioecological features, species and varieties of representatives of the genus Hydrangea in the Middle Cis-Urals are still rarely used. The aim of the research is to study the bioecological features of new for the region species and varieties of representatives of the genus Hydrangea for the prospects of introduction in the conditions of the Middle Urals. The paper presents the results of phenological observations in the period 2019-2021. according to the main phase for flowering shrubs - the beginning and end of flowering. During the years of research, anomalous periods for the development of plants were revealed during the growing season in the conditions of the Middle Urals and their influence on the flowering of the plants under study. Moisture deficiency during the growing season has a negative effect on the development of plants and on the quality of flowering. An important property for flowering shrubs is the duration of flowering. The longest total flowering over three years of observations is more than 300 days for H. paniculata “Weems Red”, H.petiolaris “Petiolaris”, H.arborescens “Anabel”. According to the results of studies (2019-2021), as promising (I, II group) for green building in the cities of the Middle Urals, 8 representatives of the genus Hydrangea were identified, who scored more than 75 points according to the integral assessment of the prospects for introduction and have good decorative effect: H paniculata “Lime Light”, “Pinky Winky”, “Diamond Runge”, “Weems Red”, “Vanilla Fries”; H. serrata “Bluebird”; H. arborescens; H.petiolaris “Petiolaris”.

Vegetation changes within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine

Abstract The article presents data from the study of vegetation dynamics in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone 30 years after the nuclear disaster and the resettlement of its local people. The 1993 prognostic data on the further development of grass and forest community groups in this area was only partially correct. The new prognosis for demutation successions reflects deviations from the linear development with a possible horizontal "shift", depending on climatic conditions, bio-ecological features of plants, as well as the impact of fires. Based on the analysis of recent data from geobotanical studies of the vegetation, the values of ecofactors that determine the course of demutation of communities were calculated. In particular, the classic course of succession is now inherent in the former settlements of the exclusion zone where the formation of forests takes place. In the old fallow lands, the previously prevailing Elytrigia repens has lost its dominant position, and has been replaced by Calamagrostis epigejos, which we associate with a certain deficiency of nitrogen compounds in the soil. The allelopathic properties of cereals inhibit the process of replacing grass communities with forest ones, which affects the course of succession. The issues of demutation of residential areas of the Exclusion Zone are considered and the sequence of changes in different habitats is described. Post-pyrogenic changes in the forest vegetation are noted and the capacity of invasive plant species to invade natural ecosystems are characterized. It is emphasized that frequent and large-scale fires cause a significant imbalance in forest ecosystems, and result in the appearance of a largenumber of alien species.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS AND LIFE FORMS OF SPECIES BELONGING TO THE GENUS SORBUS L. IN THE FLORA OF NAKHCHIVAN AUTONOMOUS REPUBLIC

Species included in the genus Sorbus L. are widespread in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, most often in the subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In natural conditions, species belonging to the genus Sorbus L. are found singly or together with other species of trees and shrubs along the edges of forests, in stony and rocky places. They can grow both in sunny places and in the shade. They grow on different soils, humus, clay, limy, rich or poor in acid, stony, sandy slopes, cliffs, thin forests of the second grade. They are cold-resistant and drought-resistant. Wild species included in the genus Sorbus L. are trees and shrubs that grow mainly in high places, stony and rocky, sometimes even on wide open slopes Species belonging to the genus Sorbus L., especially in the first years of development, grow rather quickly and have sufficient stability. All shaped species of the genus Sorbus L. (trees and shrubs) reduce erosion in the soil and increase soil fertility. Species belonging to the genus Sorbus L. are plants of great important for reforestation. The economically valuable genus Sorbus L. is suitable for the climate of Nakhchivan and is widely distributed in the highland areas. According to the conducted researches, 19 species of Sorbus L. have spread in the flora of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The article provides information on the bioecological characteristics, geographical analysis, classification by habitat types and life forms of Sorbus L. plant species suitable for the flora of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Keywords: Sorbus L. species, bioecological features, geographical analysis, areal types, life forms.